Facts About Sleep Apnea

                         

    Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP machines used to be the only option people had to improve their quality of life. Now, there is a better option, oral dental device by Dr. Anna Lee. She can help create a custom device that will help give you your life back. 

CPAP machines are used with a variety of breathing masks. They are most widely used treatment for moderate and severe OSA.

CPAP treatment may cause side effects: dry or stuffy nose, irritated skin on the face, dry mouth, and headaches.  If the CPAP device is not adjusted properly, patients may get stomach bloating and discomfort while wearing the mask.

                                                  Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved oral appliance therapy (OAT) as a first line treatment for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA.  The AASM also recommends oral appliance therapy for patients with severe OSA, who are unable to tolerate or cannot wear CPAP devices.  Another option for people with severe OSA is combination therapy (wearing CPAP and an oral appliance together) to help reduce the pressure on a CPAP machine, making it more comfortable to use.

Should I be Concerned about Snoring?

                                                

Snoring is a common condition that can affect anyone, men and women, socially and medically.  Socially, snoring is disruptive to family life and causes other family member sleepless nights.  A recent study by the Department of Health advertisements promoting martial health reports that snoring is a potential source of tension between spouses.  Medically, snoring can be a warning sign of a serious medical condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

                                                  What is Snoring?

Snoring occurs when something blocks air from flowing freely through the nose and mouth.  When you breathe, the walls of the throat vibrate and cause the snoring sound.

                                What are some of the causes that can lead to snoring?

·       swollen tonsils and adenoids that block the airways

·       being overweight, the fatty tissue in the neck puts pressure on the airways

·       growths in the nasal passages (nasal polys)

·       nasal congestion, stuffy nose from a cold or allergies

·       alcohol consumption before bedtime reduces the resting tone of the muscles in the back of the throat (reports WebMD)

** Snoring is definitely a concern because it is linked to a serious medical condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).  

For more information on sleep apnea, contact Dr. Anna Lee and her team today. 

Do You Need a Dental Device?

A dental device for Sleep Apnea can change your life for the better. Have you been living with snoring? Are you tired in the morning? Or do you feel you never get enough sleep? Now is the time for you to stand up and say no more. People who think they are not a candidate for a dental device are finding success with Dr. Anna Lee and her team.

Adults often go without sleep in the busy world we live in today. They may think they are just overly tired, but if you sleep eight or more hours a night and wake up feeling exhausted, sleep apnea may be the reason.  Millions of Americans go undiagnosed with sleep apnea. They may think they could not possibly be impacted by sleep apnea because they are younger, are female or because they live a healthy lifestyle, but this unfortunately is not the case.

A dental device that is fit specifically to your mouth will open up your throat in order for you to breath through the night, instead of gasping for air when your throat closes off. It does not require any electricity and can be easily packed when you plan your next vacation.

For more information on sleep apnea devices, contact Dr. Anna Lee and her team.